Gyroscopic top.



M. L. HAWKS.

GYROSGOPIO TOP.

APPLICATION rum) MAY 13, 1911.

, 1 ,022,236, Patented Apr. 2, 1912.

MOSES L. HAWKS, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

GYROSCOPIC TOP.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed May 13, 1911.

Patented Apr. 2, 1912. Serial No. 627,064.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Moses L. HAWKS, a citizen of the United States, residing in New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Gyroscopic Tops, of which the following is a specification.

This invention has for its principal object to improve the construction of gyroscopic tops so as to obtain a top of this character which can be cheaply and easily manufactured and which is also of rigid and durable construction and not easily deranged.

A further object of this invention is to make the frame in which the gyroscopic wheel is mounted of light construction yet stiff enough to prevent the derangement of the parts.

A further object of this invention is to so proportion the frame as to minimize the air resistance when the top is spun.

A further object of this invention is to produce a frame of rigid construction throughout without the use of screws or bolts and without soldering.

A further object of the invention is to provide a construction such as will allow the top to be easily assembled and also permit the ready adjustment of the spindle bear- 1n s.

I urther objects of this invention will a pear from the detailed description and Wlll be specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawing which illustrates my invention, Figure 1 is a side view of the preferred form; Fig. 2 is an end view thereof and partly broken away; Fig. 3 is a plan of a development of the bearing ring; Fig. 4 is a plan of a development of the transverse ring; Figure 5 is a detail indicating the formation of the stem which serves both as a rivet for the bearing ring and also as a bearing for the spindle; Fig. 6 illustrates one method ofnompressing the bearing ring for the purpose of inserting the spindle into position in the frame; Fig. 7 is a modification illustrating the form in which two stems are used; Fig. 8 is another modification, showing the form in which the transverse ring is outside of the bearing ring; Figs. 9 and 10 are a fragmentary plan and elevation respectively of a form in which the transverse ring is struck up instead of the bearing ring; Figs. 11 and 12 represent respectively, an elevation and plan of a modification in which the bearing ring is jointed and located inside of the transverse ring; Fig. 13 is a detail of the joint of the bearing shown in Figs. 11 and 12 Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the numeral 1 indicates a gyroscopic wheel fixed on spindle 2, which is mounted in hearings in the ring 3. The knurled end 50 of spindle 2 extends through ring 3 outside of the frame. Around this end of the spindle, the cord is wound for spinning the wheel. A second ring l is secured transversely of the bearing ring 3 and operates as a stifi'ening means therefor, and also as a guard for the gyroscopic wheel 1. 5 indicates the usual stem employed in gyroscopic tops of this character. These arts above enumerated are contained, in t eir elementary form, in all gyroscopic tops of this character. I shall now proceeed to describe how these elementary parts are so fashioned and assembled as to promote the objects of the invention I have above enumerated.

In forming the two rings constituting the frame, I use sheet metal which I stam out in strips in the forms indicated in Flgs. 3 and 4. The strip which is used for ring 3 is formed with the enlarged portions or extensions 6 and 7. These portions are struck up in staggered relation, so as to preserve the continuity of the ring when the strip is bent around into the form shown in Fig. 1. Enlarged portions 8, 9 and 10 are also formed on this strip and are struck up as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. All of these struck up portions are formed with apertures for the purpose hereinafter described. Between these struck up and enlarged portions, I preferably form strengthening ribs 11, so that I may use thinner metal without sacrificing any of the stiffness or rigidity of the frame. The strip is then bent around, in any suitable manner to form the ring. These strengthening ribs also serve to preserve the continuity of the ring, inasmuch as the outer surface of the ribs is substantially concentric with the struck up portion. The ribs are also advantageous in the process of bending by presenting to the die a surface which can be more easily gripped and prevented from slipping. Ring 4 is also formed of a strip which is preferably stamped out as shown in Fig. 4 and then is enlargement 8.

bent around. Midway between the ends of ring 4 is formed an enlarged perforated portion 12, and at the ends are formed the reduced segmental end portions 13 and 14, oppositely disposed, so that when the ring is bent around, these register to form an enlargement similar to 12. Each of these end portions 13 and 14 has a semi-circular slot 15, which, when the former are brought into registration, together constitute a perforation similar to the perforation in enlargement 12. Between enlargement 12 and end port-ions 13 and 14 extend strengthen ing ribs 11 similar to ribs 11 of ring 3. hen the frame is to be assembled, the strip 3 is bent around until the ends 6 and 7 overlap and their apertures come into registration, thus forming the ring. Stem 5 is then inserted through the perforations in ends 6 and 7, and the perforated portion of the inner end of this stem is next flared or expanded by means of a punch 16, so as to form a bearing 17 for spindle 2. This flared or expanded end of the stem, together with the shoulder 19, serves as a rivet for ends 6 and 7 of the ring. The strip 4 is then bent around to form a ring, thus bringing the ends 13 and 14 into registration. This ring is inserted transversely into the bearing ring 3, so that the enlarged portion 12, lies within the struck up portion 10, and end portions 13 14 lies within The two rings are then riveted together by means of rivets 20 and 21. The shoulders 22 and 23 formed interiorly of ring 3 and adjacent the enlargement 8 constitute stops for the two end pore tions 13 and 14, and together with the rivet 20, cooperate to hold these ends from displacement. Shoulders 24 and 25 adjacent to the struck up portion 10 also cooperate with the rivet 21 to hold ring 4 in place and prevent it from skewing and twisting out of position. To assemble the spindle and wheel into place in the frame, the proj ection 50 of the spindle is first inserted into the bearing 26. Then the ring 3 is com pressed transversely of the direction of the bearings until it elongates sufliciently to allow the conical end 52 of the spindle to snap into place in bearing 17. When the pressure on the ring is released, it will resume its shape by reason of the resiliency of the material and hold the spindle firmly in its bearings.

Any means may be used for compressing the ring for the assembling process. I preferably use a die 27, having an opening 28, somewhat smaller than the outer dimensions of the bearing ring, measured from the heads of the rivets 20 and 21. This opening may be designed of such a size as to cause the ring, when inserted therein, to'be compressed sufliciently so as to obtain the requisite elongation necessary for the insertion of the spindle end 52 into the hear ing 17 The outer edges of opening 28 may be rounded off as at 29 in order to facilitate the insertion of the ring into the die.

In the modification illustrated in Fig. 7 the spindle 2 has both of its ends of conical shape and is contained entirely Within the bearing ring, instead of projecting through the ring, as in the preferred form. To obtain the second conical hearing, I use an additional stem 5, which is riveted to the ring by the method employed in. connection with stem 5. For the purpose of giving added strength to the rivet joint, I place a washer 30 in the indentation formed by the struck up portion 9, so that the stem passes through this washer in addition to the thickness of metal of ring 3. This washer is firmly retained in position by shoulders 31 and 32.

In the form illustrated in Fig. 8 the trans verse ring 4 is placed exteriorly of the bearing ring 3, and the indentations are formed inwardly instead of outwardly of the bearing ring; otherwise the construction is the same as in Figs. 1 and 2.

In Figs. 9 and 10, modification is shown in which the transverse ring is formed with the indentations, instead of the bearing ring being so formed; otherwise the construction is also the same as in Figs. 1 and 2.

Figs. 11, 12 and 13 illustrate a modification in which the bearing ring is jointed at its point of connection with the transverse ring 4, instead of vice versa, as in the preferred form. In this modification two stems 5 and 5 may be used as in the form illustrated in Fig. 7. The ring 3 is reinforced with washers 30 at the points through which the stems pass. The joint of the bearing ring is formed similarly to the joint of the transverse ring shown in Fig. 2. The ends 35 are reduced and of substantially segmental form, so as to constitute together the jointed, substantially circular enlargement, through which a rivet passes, connecting it with the transverse ring. These jointed ends 35 lie in the indentation or struck up portion 36, and are held from displace ment by the rivet and by the adjacent shoulders formed interiorly of said struck up portion.

When. at any time it is desired to increase the tension upon the bearings, the transverse ring 4 maybe compressed at points substantially 90 degrees from its junction to the bearing ring. This will cause the bearing ring to expand transversely of the bearings and thus draw the latter toward each other. In this manner any looseness of the bearings, arising from wear, may be taken up.

It will be seen that substantially all of the operations used in making the frame of this top are punching, bending and riveting. Only one drilling operation need be employed and that is used in forming the bearing for the spindle in the stem. It is a well known fact that in making large quantities of duplicate parts, punching, bending and riveting are the cheapest and easiest and most expeditious operations. Soldering and drilling and machining are expensive, and these I eliminate almost entirely. It should be noted also that the frame as assembled is rigid, so that it is practically impossible for the wheel and spindle to drop out of the bearings. \Vith all of its rigidity the frame is, however, very light, and the top will therefore stand up longer While spinning than a top having a heavier frame. It is apparent also that by my novel jointing and riveting of the rings, I eliminate additional riveting which would otherwise be necessary. This same object is also accomplished by riveting the stem to the bearing ring at the j unction of the ends of the ring. It is clear also that by my construction the Wheel and spindle may be very easily assembled in place and the wear in the bearings readily taken up. By the disposition of the thin edge of the metal of the bearing ring in the direction of rotation of the top, the air resistance is minimized when the frame rotates together with the top. This will happen whenever the projecting end 50 of the spindle is used for the point of support of the top .while it is spinning. The rotation of the frame, together with the spindle substitutes the very slight resistance due to the air for the friction of the spindle bearing Within the frame. This decrease of air resistance will allow the top to spin a. longer time without stopping.

Ihave described the transverse ring as being stamped or punched out from sheet metal and then bent around. I do not limit myself, however, to this construction. This ring may be cut from a piece of metal tubing and formed with the necessary enlargements for the purpose of receiving the perforations for the rivets, and used in connection with a bearing ring such as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Various other modifications within the scope of this invention will occur to anyone skilled in the art. I do not wish, therefore, to limit myself to the precise constructions shown.

I claim 1.. In a gyroscopic top a frame comprising a bearing ring having laterally enlarged portions struck up from the body of the ring and. strengthening ribs also struck up from the bodyof the ring and extending between the enlarged, struck up portions.

2. In a gyroscopic top a frame com prising a bearing ring, said ring being struck up at diametrically opposite points and a second ring located entirely within the first ring and disposed within. said struck up portions and riveted thereto.

3. In a gyroscopic top, a frame comprising a bearing ring having a struck up or indented portion, and a second ring having meeting end portions, said end portions being disposed in the depression formed by said struck up or indented portion, and riveted thereto.

t. In a gyroscopic top, a frame comprising a bearing ring, and a second ring transverse thercto, one of said rings having meet ing jointed end portions, and the other of said rings having a struck up or indented portion, said end portions of the one ring being disposed within the struck up or indented portion of the other ring.

5. In a gyroscopic top, a frame comprising a bearing ring and a second ring transverse thereto, one of said rings having meeting jointed end portions, and the other of said rings having it struck up or indented portion, said end portions of the one ring being disposed within the struck up or indented portion of the other ring and riveted thereto.

6. In a gyroscopic top, a frame comprising a bearing ring and a second ring transverse thereto, one of said rings having meeting jointed end portions and the other of said rings having a struck up or indented portion, said end portions of the one ring being disposed within the struck up or indented portion of the other ring, and a single rivet, with its center located substantially at the meeting of the contiguous edges of the end portions and cooperating with the shoulders formed by the struck up portion for holding said ends from displacement.

7. In a gyroscopic top, a frame, comprising a bearing ring having a struck up or indented portion, and a second ring having meeting, jointed ends, said ends being disposed in the depression formed by said struck up portion and a single rivet fastening said ends to the bearing ring.

8. In a gyroscopic top, a frame, comprising a bearing ring having a struck up or indented portion and a second ring having reduced meshing end portions, said end portions disposed in the depression formed by said struck up portion, and a single rivet, disposed between the contiguous edges of the end portions and fastening both of said end portions to the bearing ring, the shoulders in the bearing ring produced by the formation of the struck up or indented portion serving to cooperate with the rivet to prevent displacement of said end portions.

9. In a gyroscopic top, a frame, comprising a bearing ring and a second ring, transverse to said bearing ring, one of said rings having a struck up or indented portion, in

which the other ring is disposed, said rings being riveted to each other at said struck up or indented portion.

10. In a gyroscopic top, a frame, comprising a bearing ring and a second ring, transverse to said bearing ring, one of said rings having struck up or indented portions at diametrically opposite points in which the other ring is disposed, said rings being riveted to each other at said struck up or indented portions.

11. In a gyroscopic top, a frame, comprising a bearing ring and a second ring, transverse to said bearing ring, one of said rings having struck up or indented portions at diametrically opposite points and the other ring having meeting ends disposed in said struck up portions and riveted thereto.

12. In a gyroscopic top, a bearing ring consisting of a strip of sheet metal having overlapping end portions, said end portions having lateral enlargements and struck up in a staggered relation to each other to preserve the continuity of the ring.

13. In a gyroscopic top, a bearing ring consisting of a strip of metal having overlapping ends and a bearing pin passing through apertures in said overlapping ends and riveted thereto.

lt. In a gyroscopic top, the combination With a spindle and a gyroscopic Wheel mounted thereon, of a bearing ring consisting of a strip of metal having overlapping ends and a bearing pin passing through apertures in said overlapping ends, said pin formed With an expanded perforated end portion interiorly of the ring, said expanded mounted thereon, of a frame comprising a bearing ring for the spindle, said bearing ring consisting of a strip of metal having overlapping apertured ends, and a stem for the frame, said stem passing through said apertured ends and having an expanded perforated end portion interiorly of the ring, said stem constituting a support for the frame, a bearing for the spindle, and'also a rivet for the ends of the ring.

16. In a gyroscopic top, the combination with a spindle having a knurled end portion and a gyroscopic Wheel mounted on the spindle, of a frame comprising a bearing ring for the spindle, said bearing ring formed of a strip of metal having overlapping apertured ends, and a stem for the frame, said stem passing through said apertured ends and having an expanded perforated end portion interiorly of the ring, said stem constituting a support for the frame, a bearing for the spindle and also a rivet for the ends of the ring, the other bearing for the spindle being formed in the ring diametrically opposite the stem and engaging the spindle adjacent its knurled end Witnesses FLORENCE MARKS, J os. Y. LEVY.

* Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. 

